198 Twenty-First Biennial Rbpoet 



ens on the farm, the farmers sold four million dollars 

 worth, of eggs and two million dollars worth of chick- 

 ens. Adding the last two sets of figures, we find that 

 the poultry on the farms of Kentucky earn annually for 

 the farmers six million dollars. These figures serve to 

 show the magnitude of the industry in this Common- 

 wealth, but upon comparing these statistics with those 

 gathered in Missouri, we find that there is great room 

 for growth and expansion. During the year 1910 the 

 Missouri farmers sold eighteen million dollars worth of 

 eggs and chickens. That State is no better adapted to 

 poultry keeping than our own. 



Upon comparing the figures presented in the Tenth 

 Census Reports, we find interesting material regarding 

 the magnitude of the poultry industry in Missouri ten 

 years ago and today. In 1899 the census figures show 

 that the chickens in Missouri produced seventeen mil- 

 lion dollars worth of eggs and fowls, and in 1910 thirty- 

 four million dollars worth. "Why did the figures double 

 during that decade? Because the Experiment Station 

 and the State Department of Agriculture began an ag- 

 gressive campaign in favor of the hen. They convinced 

 the farmer that there was money in poultry raising, 

 they taught them how to combat diseases, how to feed 

 the young chicks and prevent gapes, diarrhea, and other 

 disorders. Under the guidance of these influences the 

 farmers gave up old methods and adopted newer and 

 better ones. 



A similar campaign has been begun in Kentucky, 

 and the same beneficent results will accrue. But we will 

 have to give up many old-fashioned ideas that have held 

 sway during the past years. For instance, our old-styled 

 chicken house will have to go. It will have to give place to 

 the modern curtain front house, that furnishes room for 

 exercise in winter, and protection from bad weather, and 

 plenty of shade in summer. 



No one seems to know where the plan for the top- 

 heavy, slatted-sided chicken house originated. Now that 

 the searchlight of science has been thrown upon it, and 

 its faults clearly elucidated, no one will stand sponsor 

 for it. This type of house offers almost no exercising 

 room, and the roosts are placed directly over the 



